GMnext Day to focus on future of transportation

Mumbai: General Motors will mark the beginning of its second century with GMnext Day on 16 September 2008. The event comprises a series of forward-looking activities that will focus on the future of automotive transportation. The event also caps a year-long global initiative called GMnext, through which GM engaged audiences in a dialogue about its next-generation vehicles and technologies and offered commentary from GM executives and automotive thought-leaders from around the world.

 "The GMnext programme and our dedicated website, www.gmnext.com, have opened another door for consumers to connect with us and take a look at what's next from General Motors," said Bill O'Neill, GM executive director of communications operations, . "GMnext Day will be the bridge that focuses on the people and vehicles that will lead us into our next century."

Worldwide broadcast of GMnext Day will begin from GM's headquarters at the Renaissance Centre in Detroit and from four additional GM locations including Russelsheim, in Germany; Shanghai Mexico City, and Sao Paulo, Brazil. The broadcast will highlight technologies, global products, GM leaders and future leaders from around the world, along with a few newsworthy surprises.

The global broadcast will also be available through streaming video on GMnext.com for public viewing. The website will also feature live chats, which involves GM executives speaking about the vent activities.

Another attraction in the event is the  roundtable "Future of Transportation: The Next 100 Years", which will bring together industry experts on a candid discussion on what's next for personal transportation. Topics will range from alternative fuels and advanced propulsion systems to government regulation and infrastructure. The discussion will stream live on GMnext.com. Interestingly, visitors to the site will have the ability to ask questions in real time.

The "Chevrolet Everyday Heroes" event at the Renaissance Centre, an open public forum will conclude GMnext Day.

Participants in the global broadcast will be featured in video segments, interviewed in an intimate setting and will be available to answer questions from those in attendance.